Abstract:

This paper discusses the application of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to accomplish low sidelobe for stepquantized amplitude phased array antennas. A group of multistep quantizedamplitude weights are obtained using an unconstrained optimization method, which approaches the traditional Taylor distribution statistically. An improved constrained PSO algorithm coping with step widths is used to achieve stepquantized amplitude. The PowellPSO hybrid algorithm for quantizedamplitude weights is proposed to lower the peak sidelobe level for antennas. Low sidelobe for spaceborne precipitation radar (PR) phased array antennas using the method is designed. The improved PSO algorithm has enhanced ability of optimization and better robustness.

Key words: low sidelobe; stepquantized amplitude; particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm; spaceborne precipitation radar (PR); phased array antennas